OREGON HEALTHY SCHOOLSSchools and communities working together for healthy, successful students and staff

PLACE MATTERS

The places where we live, work and learn have a big impact on our health. These include our

schools. Learn more at PlaceMattersOregon.com.

WE ALL HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY

Superintendents, principals, school staff, parents and community groups can help school

staff be healthy at work. We all can help Oregon children get the healthy food and physical

activity they need to be successful students.

SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICIES

Each school district participating in the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program is

required to establish a school district wellness policy for all schools under its jurisdiction.

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 added provisions related to implementation,

evaluation, and publicly reporting on the progress of those policies.

GET STARTED

Contact ode.schoolnutrition@ode.state.or.us (subject line: Wellness Policy) or 503-947-5893.

Learn more at: www.ode.state.or.us/go/ODEwellness.

Oregon Department of Education, Student Services, Child Nutrition Programs

Address: 255 Capitol St. NE, Salem, OR 97310

Phone: (503) 947-5960 Web: www.ode.state.or.us/go/ODEwellness

A+

Investing in School Wellness Pays Off

Healthy students are better learners. Research

shows what many teachers and parents have long

considered common sense: good nutrition and

regular physical activity are associated with higher

grades and test scores. Wellness efforts can also

improve school attendance and behavior.

A healthy workplace shapes daily choices that

influence health. School employee worksite

wellness programs decrease staff burnout and use

of sick leave. They help school staff model healthy

habits for students, families and the community.

Moving their bodies

helps students

concentrate. It helps

them pay attention.

It improves their

behavior in class.

Students who eat school

breakfast have been

shown to attend more

days of school per year

and score higher on

standardized math tests.

Worksite wellness programs

in schools reduce absenteeism.

They lower health risks linked

to chronic disease. They boost

employee morale and create a

safe, healthy place to work.

Schools where most of the

students engage in physical

activity every week show bigger

gains in test scores than other

schools. The same is true for

schools where many students

eat healthy foods.

DETERMINE WHERE TO START

Oregon Healthy Schools can

provide resources to help districts

create wellness goals that build

on current efforts. School district

wellness policies are a great

place to start.

CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Oregon Healthy Schools connects

districts with groups that can help

with resources to improve physical

activity and nutrition.

INCREASE ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOOD IN SCHOOLS

Oregon Healthy Schools can help

meet nutrition guidelines for all

foods sold at school. Oregon Healthy

Schools provides resources to

improve nutrition and strategies to

increase school breakfast and lunch

participation.

Oregon Healthy Schools – a partnership of the Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs and the Oregon Health Authority/Public Health Division that helps

school districts make the most of their investments in school wellness with tailored assessments, tools and support toward their goals.

Schools: The Heart of Healthy Communities

Schools are large employers in Oregon communities. They are also at the

heart of neighborhoods and towns. Healthy schools can create a culture

of health for staff and students. They also can create a culture of health for

students’ families and the community:

ü The food that students are exposed to at school influences what they

ask to eat at home.

ü School meals meet nutrition standards that increase fruits, vegetables

and whole grains in the school menu.

ü Healthy activities and fundraisers such as dance-a-thons and skate

nights make physical activity fun and accessible.

ü School gardens and Farm to School programs support the local

economy. They increase access to healthy foods for students and staff.

ü Creating safe routes for walking and biking is good for the entire

community.

ü Oregon schools can make a big difference to improve the culture of

health in their communities.

Whatever Your Goals, Oregon Healthy Schools Can Help You Get There

Culture: The attitudes, knowledge and behavior of a group of people. +

Health: A state of physical, mental

and social well-being. = Culture of Health

Creating a Culture of Health at School and Beyond

A+

Investing in School Wellness Pays Off

Healthy students are better learners. Research

shows what many teachers and parents have long

considered common sense: good nutrition and

regular physical activity are associated with higher

grades and test scores. Wellness efforts can also

improve school attendance and behavior.

A healthy workplace shapes daily choices that

influence health. School employee worksite

wellness programs decrease staff burnout and use

of sick leave. They help school staff model healthy

habits for students, families and the community.

Moving their bodies

helps students

concentrate. It helps

them pay attention.

It improves their

behavior in class.

Students who eat school

breakfast have been

shown to attend more

days of school per year

and score higher on

standardized math tests.

Worksite wellness programs

in schools reduce absenteeism.

They lower health risks linked

to chronic disease. They boost

employee morale and create a

safe, healthy place to work.

Schools where most of the

students engage in physical

activity every week show bigger

gains in test scores than other

schools. The same is true for

schools where many students

eat healthy foods.

DETERMINE WHERE TO START

Oregon Healthy Schools can

provide resources to help districts

create wellness goals that build

on current efforts. School district

wellness policies are a great

place to start.

CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Oregon Healthy Schools connects

districts with groups that can help

with resources to improve physical

activity and nutrition.

INCREASE ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOOD IN SCHOOLS

Oregon Healthy Schools can help

meet nutrition guidelines for all

foods sold at school. Oregon Healthy

Schools provides resources to

improve nutrition and strategies to

increase school breakfast and lunch

participation.

Oregon Healthy Schools – a partnership of the Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs and the Oregon Health Authority/Public Health Division that helps

school districts make the most of their investments in school wellness with tailored assessments, tools and support toward their goals.

Schools: The Heart of Healthy Communities

Schools are large employers in Oregon communities. They are also at the

heart of neighborhoods and towns. Healthy schools can create a culture

of health for staff and students. They also can create a culture of health for

students’ families and the community:

ü The food that students are exposed to at school influences what they

ask to eat at home.

ü School meals meet nutrition standards that increase fruits, vegetables

and whole grains in the school menu.

ü Healthy activities and fundraisers such as dance-a-thons and skate

nights make physical activity fun and accessible.

ü School gardens and Farm to School programs support the local

economy. They increase access to healthy foods for students and staff.

ü Creating safe routes for walking and biking is good for the entire

community.

ü Oregon schools can make a big difference to improve the culture of

health in their communities.

Whatever Your Goals, Oregon Healthy Schools Can Help You Get There

Culture: The attitudes, knowledge and behavior of a group of people. +

Health: A state of physical, mental

and social well-being. = Culture of Health

Creating a Culture of Health at School and Beyond

OREGON HEALTHY SCHOOLSSchools and communities working together for healthy, successful students and staff

PLACE MATTERS

The places where we live, work and learn have a big impact on our health. These include our

schools. Learn more at PlaceMattersOregon.com.

WE ALL HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY

Superintendents, principals, school staff, parents and community groups can help school

staff be healthy at work. We all can help Oregon children get the healthy food and physical

activity they need to be successful students.

SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICIES

Each school district participating in the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program is

required to establish a school district wellness policy for all schools under its jurisdiction.

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 added provisions related to implementation,

evaluation, and publicly reporting on the progress of those policies.

GET STARTED

Contact ode.schoolnutrition@ode.state.or.us (subject line: Wellness Policy) or 503-947-5893.

Learn more at: www.ode.state.or.us/go/ODEwellness.

Oregon Department of Education, Student Services, Child Nutrition Programs

Address: 255 Capitol St. NE, Salem, OR 97310

Phone: (503) 947-5960 Web: www.ode.state.or.us/go/ODEwellness

CREATING A HEALTHY CULTURE TOGETHERFor Superintendents, Principals, School Staff and Wellness Champions

Be a Champion!

The health and attendance of students and staff is key

to increasing academic success in your school district.

Your leadership is critical to create an environment

where employees are healthy, engaged and effective,

and students are alert and ready to learn. Even small

steps can lead to big improvements in student success

and employee satisfaction.

Activate Your School District Wellness Policies:

The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of

2004 and the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

requires school districts participating in the National

School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program

to develop a school district wellness policy. The

responsibility for developing a wellness policy is placed

at the local level so the unique needs of each school

under the district’s jurisdiction can be addressed.

Districts are required to:

ü Establish, lead and permit participation on wellness

councils by the school community and the public

ü Set goals for nutrition promotion, nutrition education

and physical activity, and other school-based

activities that promote student wellness

Oregon Healthy Schools can help you fulfill the law’s

requirements and realize the academic benefits that

come from ensuring that students eat better and

move more.

Oregon Healthy Schools Can:

ü Assist with updating, implementing and evaluating

your School District Wellness Policy.

ü Share research and effective strategies to

implement activities connecting student health to

academic success.

ü Provide professional development on nutrition and

physical activity content and strategies.

ü Connect you to programs, resources and funding

opportunities that support student and staff

nutrition and physical activity.

ü Provide resources, data and trainings tailored

to your needs to create a healthy school

environment.

As part of our partnership, Oregon Healthy Schools ask that

you form or revitalize your wellness committee. Oregon Healthy

Schools can help you complete an assessment of your wellness

efforts, make a plan and set it in motion. Teachers and school

staff can model and encourage healthy behaviors in many ways:

ü Allow students to visit the water fountain throughout the

school day and to carry water bottles in class.

ü Incorporate movement into academic lessons or add short

bursts of activity (5-20 minutes) to regular break times.

ü Use non-food items and opportunities for physical activity to

recognize students for achievements or good behavior.

ü For birthdays and other class parties, consider non-food

celebrations such as an extra recess or games.

Let’s work together to continue improving the academic

outcomes for students in your school district by creating a culture

of health that helps them learn.

Take the next step by contacting

ode.schoolnutrition@ode.state.or.us

(subject line: Wellness Policy) or 503-947-5893.

Learn more at: www.ode.state.or.us/go/ODEwellness.

OREGON HEALTHY SCHOOLS

A partnership of the Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs and the Oregon Health Authority/

Public Health Division that helps school districts make the most of their investments in school wellness with tailored

assessments, tools and support toward their goals.

“School systems have a great

range of responsibilities, part

of which are teaching reading,

writing and math, but just as

important is to teach students

how to thrive in life. Helping

students and staff understand

what it means to live a healthy

lifestyle, with regular exercise and

quality nutrition, is a critical piece

to a school’s moral responsibility”.

- SUPT. RANDY SCHILD,

TILLAMOOK SCHOOL DISTRICT #9

Creating healthy school environments takes all of us.

If your organization works to improve the

health, wellness and success of students

and staff, you may have a bigger role to

play by getting involved in your school

district’s wellness efforts.

The Child Nutrition and WIC

Reauthorization Act of 2004 and the

Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

requires school districts participating in

the National School Lunch Program or

CREATING A HEALTHY CULTURE TOGETHERFor Organizations Working with Schools to Improve the Health of Students and Staff

“Oregon is so fortunate to have access to national, state and local organizations working

on school wellness. Everyone has different resources to bring to the table to inspire and

support administrators, students and staff to improve and sustain healthy schools. When our

community partners and schools work together, it brings wellness policies to life! Wellness

policies and programs go hand in hand to create and sustain a culture of health.”

- PEGGY HOLSTEDT, DIRECTOR OF POLICY SERVICES, OREGON SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION

School Breakfast Program to develop

a school district wellness policy. The

responsibility for developing a wellness

policy is placed at the local level so the

unique needs of each school under the

district’s jurisdiction can be addressed.

School Districts are also required to

lead and allow participation on wellness

councils by members of the school

community and the public. The wellness

council sets goals for nutrition promotion

and education, physical activity, and other

school-based activities that promote

student wellness.

OREGON HEALTHY SCHOOLS

A partnership of the Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs and the Oregon Health Authority/

Public Health Division that helps school districts make the most of their investments in school wellness with tailored

assessments, tools and support toward their goals.

Together we can create a school culture of health by bringing policies to

life that support the health of students and staff. To help support a school

culture of health:

ü Check your school website for a copy of your School District Wellness

Policy or ask the school’s principal for a copy. Review it to find places

where it aligns or intersects with your programs.

ü Join or assist with a wellness committee at the school or district level.

ü Share grant funding or services that help the school or district meet its

wellness goals.

ü Look for opportunities to work together with other organizations to

support wellness.

Find out more about how your organization can create or strengthen

wellness partnerships with schools and students in your community.

Contact ode.schoolnutrition@ode.state.or.us (subject line: Wellness Policy),

503-947-5893 or www.ode.state.or.us/go/ODEwellness.

Healthy kids are more successful students. They build stronger communities for all of us.

Healthy students are more likely to graduate

from high school. They are less likely to get

chronic diseases that can affect their quality

of life and impact the whole community.

Activate Your School District Wellness Policies:

Each school district participating in the National

School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program

is required to establish a school district wellness

policy for all schools under its jurisdiction.

Schools can improve the health of students by

providing healthy foods and time for physical activity.

This can also help students succeed in school. These

are parts of a school district wellness policy.

Oregon Healthy Schools encourages family members,

caregivers and community members to join these efforts.

CREATING A HEALTHY CULTURE TOGETHERBecause We Care About Kids’ Health, Well-being and Success in School

Get Involved:

ü Join your district or school wellness

council. Help make sure your School

District Wellness Policy is a success.

ü Join other groups that support a healthy school

environment. These may be the PTA, school

health advisory council, or site council.

ü Help your school put a school district

wellness policy into action. This has to do

with how students learn about healthy eating.

It also includes foods and beverages sold

at school; physical education; and physical

activity before, during and after school.

Advocate For:

ü Making lessons about healthy eating part

of what students learn at school.

ü Time for all students to move their bodies during

the school day. This could be recess, physical

education class or activity breaks in class.

ü Strong physical education requirements.

For K-5 students: 150 minutes per week.

For 6-8th grade: 225 minutes per week.

ü Policies to ensure that only foods that

meet school nutrition standards are

marketed to students at school.

OREGON HEALTHY SCHOOLS

A partnership of the Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs and the Oregon Health Authority/

Public Health Division that helps school districts make the most of their investments in school wellness with tailored

assessments, tools and support toward their goals.

Spread the Word:

ü Find your School District Wellness Policy

and Administrative Regulations on your

school website (look under Board Policies

and for the letters EFA). Do the same with

school nutrition standards. Find other ways

to let parents know about these resources.

ü Ask your school to share information

about the link between health and school

success and why healthy eating and

physical activity are important.

ü Talk to other parents about ways they can

help support and promote healthy eating

and physical activity at school.

ü Share this information with other parents

to see if your school is meeting the goals

of the policy.

Create a Culture ofHealth at Home:

ü Encourage healthy eating habits.

ü Look for ways to make favorite dishes

healthier.

ü Help kids and adults stay active.

ü Reduce screen time. Encourage kids to

play or exercise more.

ü More tips: http://www.cdc.gov/

healthyweight/children/

For more information, contact

ode.schoolnutrition@ode.state.or.us

(subject line: Wellness Policy),

503-947-5893 or

www.ode.state.or.us/go/ODEwellness